Risk Factors for Scleroderma

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop
scleroderma
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing scleroderma. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Factors that can increase your risk of developing scleroderma include:

Age

The morphea type of scleroderma usually strikes people around 20-40 years old. Linear scleroderma often occurs in children. Systemic scleroderma, limited or diffuse, is more likely to occur in people aged 30-50 years old.

Gender

Women are 3-4 times more likely as men to develop scleroderma.

Genetic Factors

People who have family members with autoimmune diseases have an increased likelihood of developing scleroderma.

Ethnic Background

Young African-American women have a higher rate of
systemic scleroderma and tend to have more severe forms of the disease. People of European descent more often get the localized form.

Environmental Factors

A number of chemical
exposures, like coal mining and gold mining, may
increase the risk of scleroderma. Examples of occupational chemicals thought to increase the risk include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Scleroderma. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Scleroderma/default.asp. Updated August 2012. Accessed August 8, 2013.

What is scleroderma? Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.scleroderma.org/site/PageServer?pagename=patients%5Fwhatis. Accessed August 8, 2013.